Acetylene generator



March 6,1945. QH' AKER 'TAL 2,370,630

ACETYLENE GENERATOR Filed Feb. 26, 1941 G'Sheets-Sheet 1 57 (76 6] lg 55 I .L'ar. Y

INVENTORS MALVEN L. OLSON ATTORNEY CLARENCE H. BAKER March 1945- c. H. BAKER ETAL ACETYLENE GENERATOR Filed Feb. 26, 1941 "s SheetsSheet 2 INVENTORS CLARENCE H. BAKER MALVEN L. OLSON ATTORNEY March 6, 1945.

C. H. BAKER ET AL ACETYLENE GENERATOR V Filed Feb. 26, 1941 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 Q 1 5 INVENTORS I55 CLARENCE H. BAKER I v MALVEN L. OLSON ATTORNEY 1945- c. H. BAKER ETAL' 2,370,630 7 ACETYLENE GENERATOR Filed Feb. 26, 1941 s Sheets-Sheet 4 lmllll INVENTORS 'CLARENCE H. BAKER .MALVEN L.OLSON ATTORNEY Patented Mar. 6, 1945 ACETYLENE GENERATOR Clarence H. Baker and Malven L. Olson, Indianapolis, Ind., assignors to Union Carbide and Carbon Corporation, a corporation of New York Application February 2c, 1941, Serial No. 380,630

15 Claims.

This invention relates to acetylene generators, particularly of th carbide-to-water type, and to a method of operating the same.

The increased use of apparatus consuming relatively large amounts of acetylene at a medium pressure of about one atmosphere gauge, particularly apparatus for the thermo-chemical de-.

surfacing of relatively largeferrous metal bodies,- such as \billets, ingots, blooms and the like, has resulted in a need for a medium pressure acetylene generator which iscapable of meeting sudden and prolonged demands Without b-- jectionable decreases in pressure.

Particularly,

when acetylene consuming apparatus is placed in a production line-suchgas in a rolling mill where steel ingots, billets or the like, are rolled and thermo-chemically desurfaced-it is essential, in order to avoid disruption of production schedules, that the acetylene generator be thoroughly reliable, safe and economical to maintain.

Heretofore, attempts have been made to provide acetylene at medium pressure for heavy of low pressure acetylene generators operated in conjunction with auxiliary equipment including a. gasometer and a pumping unit. However,

due to the numerous pieces of equipment required and the diificulty of servicing such equipment, this type of acetylene supply is less economical, less 'reliable,-and more difllcult to maintain than is desirable.

It has also been proposed to utilize, in anacetylene distributing system for supplying moval from the generator. Also, depending upon the structural arrangement of the generator or its location within a building, many of thesedevices are inaccessible and often require disassembly of the entire generator in order to remove or repair the control or interference mechanism.

Accordingly, among the objects of this invention isoto provide an improved acetylene generator of the carbide-to-water type, h ving a relatively large generating capacity, ut of relatively simple design, and adapted to produce acetylene at medium pressures of about one atmosphere gauge to meet heavy-duty commercial requirements; in a manner whichovercomes the above and other diflicultles encountered with prior apparatus for generating and supplying acetylene at such medium pressures.

Other objects of the invention include the pror vision of a generator comprising, as a unitary assembly, a carbide hopper, 'an intermediate control section or housing, and a reaction chamber;

to provide in'such a generator an improved control or interference mechanism, which insures that a proper sequence of steps will be followed in recharging operations; to provide such control mechanism in freely accessible positions; to provide, in the intermediate section or housing of such a generator, means for feeding carbide to the reaction chamber, 'such feeding being accomplished preferably by pressure responsive mechanism adapted to be. locked in closed position by the interference mechanism; to provide, in the intermediate section or housing of such a generator, means for removing caked carbide from the feed opening leading to thegenerating chamber, such means being operable from the exterior of the generator; to provide improved acetylene at a gauge pressure of about one atmosphere, a plurality of medium pressure acetylene generators connected in parallel; and

terference mechanism to insure that a proper.

sequence of steps will be followed in recharging such generators. known control devices usually requires their re- To clean or repair such means for regulating the pressure of acetylene I leaving the generator; to provide in the acetylene outlet conduit, means operatively connected to the interference mechanism, for venting excess acetylene pressure within the generator; to

provide a method for spraying water into the generating chamber of such generator only when the latter is being recharged; to provide a water supply system having an associated interference level indicator; and to provide an improved acetylene pressure reducing valve adapted to feed low pressure acetylene to the generator when the latter is being recharged.

The above and other objects and novel features of the invention will become apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a front elevation of an acetylene generator embodying the principles of this invention, certain parts thereof being broken away to show the interior construction;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged vertical view partially in section of the latch means for locking the door of the carbide hopper of the generator of Fig. 1; I Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of a portion of an interference mechanism, shown generally in Fig. l, which is adapted to lock the carbide feedin means in a closed position;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged view, partly broken away, of a modification of the portion of the interfer-.

ence mechanism shown in Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a vertical sectional view of a modification of a device adapted to open and close the acetylene pressure relief valve shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 6 is a front elevation, illustrating a modiiication of the interference mechanism and car- Fig. mm a vertical sectional view taken along the line Iii-I001 Fig.9;

Fig. 11 is a partial side elevational view of the carbide feed. regulator and locking mechanism therefor, shown generally in Figs. 1 and 3;

Fig. 1221s an end view of the carbide feed regulator taken from the left along the line I2I2 A ofFigs.11;'

Fig. 13 is a sectional view through the diaphragm mechanism of the carbide feed regulator, taken along the line I3-I3 of Fig. 11;

Fig. 14 is a horizontal view, partly broken away, of the intermediate control housing, taken along the line Il-Il of Fig. 1;

Fig. 15 is a vertical sectional view through the intermediate control housing, taken along the line i5-I5 of Fig. 14; o

Fig. 16 is 'a vertical sectional view through the acetylene filter and pressure regulator, taken along the line I6-I8 of Fig. 1; and

Fig. 17 is a verticalsectional view illustrating the carbide cutting mechanism, and is taken from the right along the line I'I-II of Fig. 15.

Referring'to the drawings, the principles of the invention are shown as applied to an acetylene generator comprising a generating chamber G, provided with a water-supply and overflow unit W and a sludge drain-oil valve V., A carbide hopper H is located in spaced relation above the generating chamber G and is provided with a charging door D and a carbide-level indicator L. An intermediate section or housing I, which may be removed as a unitary assembly from the generator, is interposed between and in 8889111811;

15 and 17. If desired, a pressure gau e Pg may be provided to indicate the pressure of acetylene within the generating chamber G. The generator is also provided with an inteference mechanism M, comprising a, system of interconnected rods for insuring that, in preparing the generator for recharging a definite sequence of steps will be followed. An acetylene pressure reducing valve Va, of novel construction is disposed in the piping adjacent the intermediate housing I.

With reference to Fig. 1, the generating chamber G comprises acylindrical upper portion I0 and a lower conical portion I I having a drain N in the lowermost portion thereof. A shut-off valve V is disposed in drain N and is adapted to discharge sludge, resulting from the reaction of carbide with water, from generator G through 1 trap '1' into waste pipe I3 which is suitably'vented at It. A water connection I4 is provided on the inlet side of trap T for the purpose of flushing and cleaning the latter. Suitably disposed exterior supporting members S secured to the conical portion I I are provided to support the generator., The upper part of the generating chamber G is provided with a dome I5 and a I clean-out opening I6, which latter is provided (III the serrated edge 2|. lected passesdownwardly and under the serrated with a cover II. The dome l5 terminates in a centrally disposed and upwardly extending collar I8 having an outwardly extending flange I9, said collar forming a communicating passage between the lower portion of the intermediate section or housing I and the interior of generating chamber G. A tubular baille plate 20 having a lower serrated edge 2| is centrally disposed within the generating chamber G directly below the upwardly extending collar I 8. This baille plate 20 is secured in gas-tight relation to the dome i5 and extends downwardly to a point below the surface of the water in the generating chamber. The acetylene which rises to the surface of the water within the area bounded by the baflle 'plate 20 collects within the latter and causes the waterv level therein to be depressed to a point adjacent The acetylene thus coledge, and by so doing is scrubbed of entrained carbide or lime dust.

One or more spray nozzles 22, each secured to a suitable water inlet conduit 23, is provided to spray the incoming water into the generating chamber G only while the generator is being recharged. The spray nozzles are preferably positioned tangentially with respect to the tubular baille plate 20 toimpart a rotary action to the acetylene and water spray within the gas space of the generating chamber. The water which collects at the bottom of the chamber is substantially saturated with acetylene. Due to such absorption, the pressure of acetylene within the chamber, when the latter is filled to the proper level with water, is not materially greater than the normal operating pressure of the generator. Hence, little if any acetylene need be vented to the atmosphere during a recharging operation.

A water overflow conduit 24, having an inlet orifice 24' disposed in a-horizontal plane slightly relation to the hopper H andthe generating chamber G, andhouses the generator control .mechanlsm. Such mechanism includes an acetylene pressure regulator P, single or dual pressure-responsive carbide feed valve operating devices F, a. carbide feed-valve locking device LI, and the carbide cutter assembly 0 of Figs. 14,

above the serrated edge ii of the baffle plate 20. is provided to avoid flooding the generator with water during a recharging operation. From the interior of the generating chamber G, water inlet nates in a short reinforcing collar 49 having an outwardly extending flange 50. Collar 49 supstem 21 of the water inlet valve 25 is provided with an arcuate cam or interference plate 28, which has adjacent convex and concave portions 29 and 3|] respectively on a portion of its periphery. A similar cam or interference plate 3|, having similarly adjacent but oppositely positioned peripheralconcave and convex surface portions 32 and 33 respectively, of the same radius of curvature as the portions 29 and 30 on the water inletvalve 25, is provided on the valve stem 34 of valve 26. The concave surface of one cam fits within the convex surface of the other cam as with the valves in closed position as shown in Fig. 1. -Both cams are disposed on their respective valve stems in such a manner that the valves must be properly opened and closed. It will be evident that valve 25 cannot be opened in the position shown, since the concave portion ports a vertical pin 5| adapted to form, with sleeve 52, a hinge for a charging door D which is provided at the top of the hopper H. I

Sleeve 52 is secured to one-leg of .an inverted U-shaped bar 53 which is provided with inwardly I extending lips 54 for engaging the-underside of will strike the convex portion 33 of plate 3|.

Thus, water overflow valve 26 must be opened before water inlet valve 25, i. e., by moving lever from a horizontal position downwardly through an angle of 90 to position concave portion 32 of cam 3| adjacent the concave portion- 38 of cam 28 of thewater inlet valve 25. Lever 35, or a similar lever, is then used to open water inlet valve 25 by turning valve stem 2'! clockwise through an angle of 90, to place convex portion 29 of cam 28 in interfltting relation with the concave portion 32 of cam 34. To close the water inlet and overflow valves 25 and 28 respectively, a reverse procedure must be used, 1. e., water inlet valve 25 must be closed first and than water overflow valve 26 may be closed. Thus, the cooperating earns 28 and 3! insure that r the water inlet and overflow valves 25 and 23 respectively, will be opened and closed in proper sequence.

A relatively short conduit 35 leads from the exit side of valve 26 to an overflow trap 81, which latter is provided with an outlet connection 38. a sludge agitator 39 andan air vent 40. A waste pipe 8! is suitably disposed beneath the outlet connection 38, so that the operator maygobserve if water is being discharged through the overflow pipe 24and conduit36, indicating that the generating chamber has been filled to the desired level.

The intermediate housing I, centrally disposed on top of the generating chamber G, comprises a vertically disposed cylindrical member 62 having, in :its lower end, an outwardly extending flange 43 which corresponds in diameter to the flange I9 of the collar I8 on the generating chamber G, and both flanges l9 and 63 may be bolted together or otherwise suitably secured to form a gas-tight joint- An outwardly extending flange 44 is provided on the upper end of the intermediate housing I and .forms a support for the carbide hopper H. Suitably disposed between the upper and lower flanges 43 and 44 are one or more pressure-responsive carbide feed valve operating devices F, a. carbide feed-valve locking device Li and a carbide cutter assembly C (Figsl 14, 15 and 17).

The carbide hopper H comprises a lower funnel-shaped portion 45 and an upper inverted funnel-shaped portion 46, the former terminating in a short cylindrical portion 41 which is provided with an outwardly extending flange 48 on its lower edge. Flange 48 engages the upper flange 44 on the intermediate'housing and both of the flanges may be bolted or otherwise suitably secured to form a gas-tight joint. The inverted funnel-shaped portion 4a of the hopper H termiexpand and thereby lift the cover plate 56 off.

passing through suitable clearance holes 51' in The head of each the inverted U-shaped bar 53. machine screw rests on the upper end of a com-- pression spring 58 which surrounds the screw, and the lower end of each compression spring 58 engages the upper surface of bar 53 around the clearance hole 51'. The lower end of a vertical shaft 60, which is threaded for a greater part of its length engages a recess 59 centrally located in the upper surface'of'cover plate 56. The upper end of shaft 60 is provided with a handwheel 6i, and a threaded block 62 engages the threads on shaft 60. Block 62 is rigidly secured between the angle irons 55, so that by turning handwheel 6|, threaded shaft 60 will compress springs 58- and' force cover plate 56 downwardly against the upper surface of flange 50, thereby forming a gas-tight seal across the top of hopper H. A gasket 83 may be placed, if desired, between cover plate 56 and the upper part of flange 50. By rotating handwheel "6| in the reverse direction the springs 58 are permitted to the top part of flange 50. When in its raised position, the door D may be pivoted in a horizontal plane about pin 5! to permit access to the hopper H for charging with carbide.

The carbide level indicator L comprises a carbide surface contacting arm 64 having a flat paddle I55 secured to one end. The other end of arm 64 is secured to a horizontal rod or shaft 66, disposed at one side of and vertically'mid-way of the hopper H. Shaft 66 extends through a suit-v able stumng box 67 disposed in the wall of the hopper H. A relatively short crank arm 68 is secured to the external end of shaft to move in unison with arm 86 and indicates, on a suitable scale 59, the level of carbide within hopper H. A weighted rod 10 is pivotally secured to the outer end of the crank arm 68 and has sufficient weight to maintain contacting arm 64 in raised position and thus to avoid damage thereto during a recharging operation. When the operator desires to determine the level of carbide within hopper .H, he raises rod ill until the paddle 65 comes in contact with the surface of the carbide, and

the level of the carbide within the hopper is indicated by crank 68 on scale 69. I

The lower' end of acetylene outlet conduit II extends through dome l5 at a point intermediate the baiiie 20 and the wall ill of the generating am T e upper end of conduit 1| connects sure source to the generator G, while thelatter is being recharged. Astop or plug-type acetylene return valve I8, a pressure reducing valve Va, and a shut-off valve I1 are disposed in conduit 15. A cross-over pipe I8, of relatively smaller diameter than conduit 15, extends from the inlet side of valve I8 to a point on conduit -'I|- below the cross I2. Within a fitting I9 a small orifice (not shown) is provided to restrict the flow of acetylene to about one cubic foot per minute from conduit I5 to the carbide hopper H, through conduits II and I5, during a recharging operation and while valve I8 is closed. A suitable drain pipe II' extends from the lower portion of the acetylene pressure regulator P to conduit II, and removes any water collected in the pressure regulator. I

.The operating lever 83 of acetylene pressure relief valve I3 is operatively connected, by rod 82, to a handle 88 which turns the stem 8| of the acetylene return valve I6. Rod 82 and lever 88 are so constructed and arranged that when stem 8| of the acetylene return valve I8 is rotated by handle 88 through an angle of 45, from the normally open position shown in Fig. 1, the pressure relief valv will be fully opened as lever 88 is swung to the right, Upon continued rotation of the handle 88 through another angle of 45, the relief valve I3 is again closed as lever 83 is moved back to the left.

An interference mechanism -M is provided for' cured to the acetylene return valve handle 88 at a point adjacent the valve stem 8|, while the upper end thereof is pivotally connected to the end of an arm 88 which latter is secured to a rotatable horizontal shaft 88. Shaft 88 is suppo ted by a suitable bracket 81, secured to the side of hopper H. Horizontal shaft 88 is provided with two relatively short lever arms 88 and 89, which rotate with shaft 88 as bell crank levers. The outer end of lever 88 is pivotally connected to an upwardly extending carbide hopper interference rod 98, and the outer end of lever 89 is pivotally connected to a downwardly extending rod 9| for locking the carbide feed-valve device L1. The

upper end of rod 98 passes slidably through a tract with the vertical portion 93' of the stop while the upper end of interference rod 98 is disposed on the other side of, and extends slightly above, pin 94,-thus effectively locking door D. When door D is to be opened, the upward movement of handle 88 causes the upper end of rod 98 to move downwardly and outwardly away from pin 94, thus permitting the door D to be swung in a horizontal plane about pin III as an axis.

As best-seen'in Fig. 3, the lowerend of'rod 9| is provided with a slot 98 through which passes a shaft 98 for looking or permitting the operathe introduction of carbide into the generating tion of the carbidefeed valves within the intermediate housing I. A raised lug 91 is provided at the lower end of rod 9| and engages a cooperating slot 91' in a circular disc 98 which is rigidly secured to the shaft 98. A handle 99 is rigidly secured to the disc 98 for rotating shaft 98. During normal operation of th generator, the lug 91 does not engage the slot 97' of the circular disc 98, thus permitting the operator to rotate handle 99 to open or close the carbide feeding valve, hereinafter described. To prevent chamber, the handle.99 is rotated so a to close the carbide feeding means, and when in such closed position, the slot 9'|' is in alignment with the lug 91., Upon rotation of handle 88 of the acetylene return valve I6 to its closed position, the raised lug 91 at the bottom of rod 9| slides into slot 91' and effectively locks the carbide feeding means. described interference mechanism, the carbide hopper cannot be recharged while carbide is being fed to the generating chamber.

A modification of the carbide feed valve locking device L} is shown in Fig. 4, wherein the lower part of the interference rod 9| is provided with a loop I88 through which passes shaft 98. At the lower end of the loop I88, a pin |8I extends in the direction of the intermediate housing I. A handle I82 is secured to the outer end of shaft 98 outside the loop I88 and a semi-circular plate I83 is secured to the shaft 98. at a point immediately behind the loop I88. Plate I83 is provided with a lip I84 adapted to engage the pin |8I when handle I82 is moved to its open position; Edge portion I85 of plate I83 is recessed to permit the pin |8I on the rod 9| to slide toward shaft 98 when handle I82 is moved in a counter-clockwise direction to its closed position. A stop pin I88 may be provided to limit the rotation of disc I83 in its clockwise movement.

A modification of the interference mechanism, carbide level indicator, and the device for momentarily opening the acetylene relief valve, is shown in Figs. 5 and 6. With particular reference to Fig. 6, the upper end of interference rod 9| is pivotally secured to a link plate I8I which is rigidly secured to a horizontal and rotatable shaft I88. Shaft I88 is supported by a pair of arms I89 disposed on the side of and vertically mid-way of the carbide hopper H. One end of a relatively short lever arm I I8 is secured to shaft I88, while theother end thereof is pivotally con- Y nected to an interference rod III for locking the carbide feed door D in closed position in the same manner as described in connection with Fig. 1. A carbide level indicator arm II2, disposed at one side and within the carbide hopper H, is provided with a paddle H3 at its outer end, and the other end of .arm I I2 is secured to a horizontally rotatable shaft 4 disposed within the generator adjacent the external supporting arms I89. The shaft II4 extends through a stuffing box (notshown), disposed in the wall of hopper H,

and a relatively short lever arm I I5 is secured to the outer end of the shaft II4. A rod H8 is pivotally connected at one end to link plate I81 and is provided with a slotted link III at its other end. The slotted link III engages a stud (not shown) on the underside of lever II 5. With the carbide level indicator arm I I2 in the position shown in Fig. '6, the rotation of link plate -I8I in a counter-clockwise direction will raise the arm II2. During a hopper recharging operation the arm H2 is held up out of the way By the provision of the above of the descending carbide by the counter-clockwise movement of link plate I01. Slotted link I I 1 permits the indicator arm II2 to contact and to follow the downward movement of the carbide after the link plate I01 is moved clockwise to its original position.

As in Fig. 5, the acetylene pressure relief valve H8 is operated from the shaft I08 through a lever arm I-I9. One end of arm 9 is secured to rotatable shaft I08, while the other end of the lever arm is pivotally secured to an interference rod I20, the lower end of which is provided with a loop Or link IZI which cooperates with a rotatable triangular plate I22. The lower apex of the triangular plate I22 is provided with a notch I24, while the upper apex of such plate is provided with a raised stop I25 which rests against the inside of a channel I26 during normal operation of the generator. A leaf spring I21 is secured to the channel I26 to force the lower end of loop I2I back into notch I24 when said loop moves downwardly after the valve II 8 has been opened. -ESpring I 21 also'holds the end of the loop I2I in the notch I24 when the plate I22 is in normally closed position. Valve H8 is momentarily opened by moving rod I20 upwardly from the position shown in Fig. 5, thus causing the triangular plate I22 to rotate in'a counterclockwise direction. by the pull exerted by the lower end of loop I2I in notch I24. At a point intermediate the travel of rod I 20, the loop I2I slips out of the notch, as at I24 shown in dotted lines in 'Fig. 5. This permits plate I22 immediately to resume its original position, while the loop I2I continues to move upwardly to the end of its travel withina slot formed between plate I22 and channel I26. Upon lowering the interference rod I2Il,.the lower end of loop I2I is automatically replaced in notch I24 by the action of leaf spring I21.

For operating the interference mechanism, one end of a lever arm I28 is rigidly secured to the shaft I08, as in Fig. 6. The other end of lever arm I28 is pivotally connected to an operating rod I29 having a hook I29 at its lower end which is adapted to engage a second hook I30, secured to the dome I of the generating chamber. When operating rod I29 is moved downwardly, the hook I29 may be placed in engagement with hook I30. Such movement causes the bell cranks H0, H9, and I28 as well as the link plate I01 to operate the interference rods III, II6, 9| and I20 simultaneously. Thus, the carbide hopper door D is opened; the carbide level indicator arm H2 is raised; the shaft 96, operating the carbide feed valve, is locked; and the pressure relief valve "8 is momentarily opened. When rod I29 is disengaged from book I30 and moved upwardly to the position shown in Fig. 6, rod III moves upwardly to lock door D in closed position; rod H6 is moved to the right to permit the carbide level indicator arm II2 to descend and to contact the surface of carbide within the hopper H; interference rod BI is lowered, thus permitting the shaft 96 of the carbide feed valve lock to be rotated; and rod I20 is lowered to cause loop I2I to re-engage notch I24 on triangular plate I22.

ing arrangement I32, adjacent the lower flange 48 of the carbide hopper H". A rectangular latch I34, rigidly secured at one end to the top of shaft I3I andprovided at the other end with a notch I35, cooperates with a notched projection I36 on the door D. When in engagement with each other, the latch I34 and projection I36 prevent door D from swinging open. When latch I34 is rotated in a clockwise direction, away from sure relief valve I38 is supported on'the interrecharging the carbide hopper H". Shaft I39 of the conventional trip or opening mechanism of the pressure relief valve I 38 is secured to one end of a link I40. The other end of link I40 is pivotally connected with one end of a relatively short connecting rod MI, while the other endof the rod I4I is pivotally connected with a'collar I42 secured to the interference shaft I3I. When handle I31 is rotated from the full position (at the right of rod I3I) to the dotted position I31 of Fig. 8 (at the left thereof), the shaft I39 of the trip mechanism of the pressure relief valve is rotated by means of collar I42, connecting rod MI, and link I40. Thus, the relief valve I39 momentarily vents acetylene to the atmosphere.

For locking the carbide feeding means, a slotted sleeve I43 is secured to the lower end of the shaft I3I and is so positioned that when the handle I31 is on the right side of shaft I9I, as shown in Fig. 7, the slot I44 in the sleeve I43 faces the Y shaft 96. A handle I45, having a latch I46 ex- A further modification of the interference mechanism is shown in Figs. '1 and 8. A vertical tending at therefrom, is rigidly secured to the end of the shaft 96. The latch will engage or fit within the slot I44 of sleeve I43 only when the interference rod operating handle I31 is thrown to the right. If handle I31 is thrown to the left, the slot I44 in the sleeve I43 will be out of alignment with latch I46, and shaft 96 ofthe carbide feed valve lock cannot be rotated to unlock the carbide feeding mechanism since latch I46 will strike sleeve I43. During normal operation of the generator, handle I31 of the interference rod I3I is disposed on the right of the latter, thus locking the carbide charging door D' in closed position and permitting the rotation of handle I45 of the carbide feed valve lock Lt. When the generatoris to be recharged, the carbide feed valve is locked in closed position by raising handle I45 to the horizontal position shown in Fig.1, and thereafter the handle I31 of the interference shaft I3I is rotated to the left. Such rotation of shaft I3I releases the latch I34 from the door D of the carbide hopper, momentarily vents the pressure relief valve I38, and prevents rotation of the shaft 96 of the carbide feed valve lock.

Hopper H", as in Fig. 7, is provided with a carbide level indicator which comprises a carbide surface contacting arm I41 secured at one end tacting arm I41 before the hopper H" is charged with carbide. The rotatable shaft I48 extends through a suitable stuillng box (not shown) in the wall of the hopper and the outer end of shaft I48 is provided with a pointer II for showing, on a suitable scale I52, the level of the carbide within hopper H.

With reference to Figs. 1 and 9, the acetylene pressure reducing valve Va, disposed in the piping adjacent the dome I5 of the generating chamber.

G, comprises an upper housing I53 and a lower housing I54 secured to each other in any suitable manner. As in Fig. 9, the lower housing I54 is provided with gas inlet and outlet passages I55-and I56, respectively and a relatively large circular chamber I51 having an outwardly extending flange I58. The upper housing I63 has a centrally and vertically disposed spring chamber I59, 9. flanged edge I60 of substantially the same diameter as flange I59, and a venting orifice lei..-

A flexible diaphragm I62 is held gas-tightly between the two fianges I56 and I66, and is provided with upper and lower diaphragm contact-v ing plates I63 and I64 respectively, the plates being centrally disposed with respect to the spring chamber I59. The lower end of a compression spring I65, disposed within the spring chamber I59, presses against the central portion of the upper diaphragm contacting plate I63, and the pressure of spring I65 is maintained'or adjusted by a peripherally threadedplug I66 engaging threads I61 within the upper part of the spring chamber I59. A peripherally threaded cap I68 closes the end of spring chamber I59, and permits access to spring adjusting plug I66.

As in Figs. 9 and 10. on the underside of the lower diaphragm contacting plate I64, and axially aligned with respect to spring I65, a fork I69 is rigidly secured by a screw I 10 to the diaphragm I62 and to the diaphragm contacting plates I63 and I64. The lower end of each leg I1I of the fork I69 is provided with an upwardly extending slot I12, and a pin I13 extends between the legs "I at a point slightly above the end of. the slots I12. A lever arm or bar I14, pivoted on a pin I which is supported by 9. lug I15 adjacent the acetylene inlet I55, extends from a .point above this inlet to a point within the legsof fork I69. The end of bar I14, within the legs of fork I69, is provided with a pair of outwardly extendand the end of the bar m with which the latter is engaged, in a downward direction. This downward movement causes bar I14 to pivot on its support I15 and to lift valve I11 upwardly, thereby permitting acetylene to flow into the lower .chamber I54.

One end of a cantilever spring I19 is rigidly secured to the top of bar I14 at a point thereon nearly opposite the supporting lug I15, while the other end of said springengages the top of the pin I13. If the pressure within the lower housing I54 of the pressure reducing, valve increases, the diaphragm I62, diaphragm contacting plates I63 and I64, and fork I69 move upwardly against .7

the compression spring I65. Spring I19 pulls the end of bar I14 upwardly, thus causing valve sides thereof will cause considerableforcegto be applied to the lever arm I14. However, due to the, yielding manner with which valve I11 is operatively connected to diaphragm I62, through spring I19, the possibility of a large force deforming or injuring the' valve I11 or lever arm I14 is eliminated. That is, the only compressive force applied to valve I11 and its seat I19 is due to the tension provided by spring I19, hence during operation such compressive force will be fairly uniform and the reducing pressure valve Va will have a positive and reliable action over a long period of time. Also, if the pressure in the lower chamber I54 should suddenly increase no injury will result to the bar I14 0r valve I11,

because after-the latter is properly seated, bar 614 remains stationary while spring I19 and pins I13 and I16 allow the diaphragm I62, diaphragm contacting plates I63 and I64, and fork I69 to continue upwardly until compressive equilibrium is established "with spring I65.

During normal operation of the generator, the acetylene pressure reducing valve Va is inactive and no acetylene flows therethrough. When sludge is being drained from the bottom of the generator, the pressure reducing valve Va, which receives acetylene at a gauge pressure of about 12 to 15 pounds per square inch from an outside source, supplies acetylene at about 2 to 3 inches of water gauge pressure to the generator and maintains such pressure continuously therein during the recharging operation.

If it is desired to increase the pressure of the acetylene delivered to th generator while recharging the latter, the peripherally threaded spring compressive plug 566 may be rotated to move downwardly within the spring chamber l59,

while if it is desired to decrease the pressure of acetylene supplied to the generator, plug I66 is rotated to move upwardly.

The intermediate housing 1, shown in Figs. 1, 6, 7, 14 and 15, includes means for regulating the rate at which carbide is red from the hopper H to the generating chamber G. As in Figs. 14 and 15, such means includes a pair of downwardly contracting funnel-shaped passages I89, formed integrally with the wall of the housing I, each of such passages terminating in a cylindrical discharge opening or aperture I9! provided with a suitable carbide sealing ring I92. A central canal or duct I93, disposed between each of the funnelshaped passages I99, equalizes the acetylene pressure between the upper and lower portions of the intermediate housing. The discharge apertures I8I are closed by mushroom-type valves I94, which are pivotally mounted on the end of a relatively short leg of a, U-shaped rocker arm I95. The longer leg of the U-shaped rocker arm I is pivotally connected at its upper end by a.

pin I99, as in Figs. 11 and 12, to a link or stud shaft I86, as in Figs. 12 and 13. Rocker arm I86 is also pivoted near its bendon a shaft I91 which is journaled in a supporting yoke I89 formed integrally with an inner diaphragm sealing ring I99. This ring is disposed against and suitably,

secures the periphery of diaphragm I92 across the end of an outwardly extending spring chamber- I9 3, as in Fig. 13. A dog or detent I99 is formed at the bottom of each rocker arm I95 and engages a recessed cam I9I secured to shaft 96 in such a manner that upon rotation of shaft 96, rocker arm I95 is raisedor lowered, as the case may be, and causes the valve I94 to engage or disengage the carbide sealing ring plate I92. When the recessed portion of cam I9I engages the detent I96, valves I94 meet an interaavaese mediate stop position and carbide is fed into the generating chamber G at a relatively slow rate. After the pressure in the generating chamber has increased sufficiently to caus the carbide feed valves I84 to close by the action of diaphragm I92, cam I9! may then be rotated counter-clock-' wise to permit the feed valves I84 toassume' their fully opened position. The intermediate stop is a desirable feature, because if the carbide feed valves I84 are fully opened while Pressure is bethe pressure relief valve I3, thereby causing a loss of acetylene.

As explained previously in connection with Figs. 1, 3, 4, and I,- the outer end of shaft 96 is associated with interference mechanism M, so that movement of the shaft 9% is permitted only when" the generator is in normally operative condition. Thus, through the cooperation of the interference mechanism previously described, the carbide feed valves I89 must be closed before the hopper door D can be opened.

- The carbide feed valves I59 are normally operated in response to acetylene pressure fluctuations within the generatingchamber. Such pressure fluctuations act against the above-mentioned diaphragms I92 which latter are suitably spring loaded and are of the type generally shown in Patent No. 2,188,277 to M. P. De Motte et al. A short flanged extension I04 of the intermediate housing 1, best seen in Fig. 14, receives a cooperating flange I955 on the spring chamber I93;

With reference to Fig. 13, the diaphragm I92 is provided with a pair of centrally disposed washers I95 and I95, one on either side thereof. A shaft I96, threaded on its outer end and provided with a slot I91 at its inner end, passes through the diaphragm I92 and washers I95 and I95.

' One end of stud shaft I99 extends into slot I91 and is pivoted on apin I98, while the other end of the shaft I86 is pivotally secured by a pin I99 to the end of the longer leg of the U-shaped rocker arm I85. A relatively high pressure spring 200 surrounds shaft I96 and stud shaft I86, and bears between the inner washer I95 and a spring receiver I provided adjacent the pin I99 at the end of the relatively longer leg of the 'U-shaped rocker arm. Anut 202. on the threaded end of shaft I96 clamps diaphragm I92 and the washers I95 and I95 to form a gas-tight assembly.

As in Figs. 13 and 14, diaphragm I92 is spring loaded on'its external side by a spring 203, which abuts at one end against washer I95 and at the other end against an adjustable plate 204 mounted on a threaded spring-tension adjusting spindle 205, which is rotatably mounted in boss 206 provided in theouter end of spring chamber I93. A screw cap 201 may be provided to permit access to the end of spindle 205 for adjustment of the tension of spring 203. A stationary rod 205' passes through an aperture in plate 204 I vices F are equally adjusted so that carbide fed in substantially equal amounts by both valves 184. When the acetylene pressure within the generator falls below a preselected value, springs 203 urge the diaphragm I92 inwardly, thus moving high pressure springs 290 and the longer legs of rocker arms I85 inwardly, thereby depressing rocker arms I85 and valves I 84 and freeing the feed apertures I8I to permit carbide to flow into the generating chamber G. When the pressure of acetylene within the generating chamber slightly exceeds the desired pressure, the diaphragm I92 moves outwardly against the action of spring 203. This outward movement of the diaphragms causes the rotation of rocker arms I85 about shafts IB'I, bringing valves I96 into engagementwith sealing surfaces I 82 and thus stopping the feeding of carbide into the generating chamber.

As indicated previously, the presence of entrained moisture in the acetylene contacting the feed apertures I8I causes a certain amount of slaking of the incoming carbide with the formation of lime deposits, which may cake arid fill -up the apertures, thereby preventing feeding of carbide during normal operation. To remedy this condition, a rotary clean-out knife H9 is provided in each aperture I8I, as in Fig. 15. Each knife 2I0 is provided with a plurality of blades ZI I which generally conform to the shape of apertures I8I and to the top of valve I09 when in full engagement therewith. The clean-out knives are each fixedly mounted on one end of a rotatable splined shaft or spindle 2I2, while the other end of the latter is secured. to a worm gear 2I9 which is adapted to engage the inner threaded portion of a vertical and internally threaded member 2 I 9. A spiral gear 2I5, slidable on splined shaft 2I2 and journaled between the lower end of hollow member 2M and a boss 2I6 disposed on a supporting plate ZI'I, engages a cooperating spiral gearZIB mounted on a shaft 2I9. Shaft 2I9 drives similar clean-out knives in both feed aper 2 have reached the end of their travel, handle MI is rotated in the opposite direction, thus causing the blades to be displaced upwardly from each respective orifice I8I. The supporting plate 2| 7 is suitably secured within the intermediate housing at a point slightly above the funnel-shaped passages I80, and is arranged to permit carbide to pass between the edge of said plate and the inner wall of the intermediate housing I. The plate 2|! isalso provided with a cover 222 to prevent carbide from interfering with the operationv of the cuttingmechanism. A threaded plug 229, as in Fig. 15, is tapped into the upper portion of the intermediate housing and permits access to clean out any carbide which may have caked on thecover 222. I w s The generated acetylene, as pointed out above, passes from the generating chamber G through conduit 1| to pressure regulator P disposed in the wall of the intermediate housing I. This acet ylene pressure regulator is preferably a conventional regulator of the tim generally described in U. S. Patent No. 2,106,971 to M. P. De Motte. Briefly, pressure regulator P, as in Fig. 16,com-

. prises a valve 224; a spring loaded diaphragm 225, which may be regulated by handwheel 220 to deliver acetylene at a preselected pressure to exit conduit 221, which Is connected to a valve 228 of Fig. 1; and a removable filter v229, which is disposed on the inlet side of valve 224 and which may be replaced by removing cover plate 230 at the rear of the valve housing 23!. The side of the regulator P adjacent the intermediate housing I is provided with a removable slide 232, disposed in suitable peripheral guides 233. A conventional check valve 234, suitably mounted in the slide, permits acetylene to pass only during a recharging operation from the regulator to the central compartment of the intermediate housing and thence through the central passage I83 in the intermediate housing into the hopper H.

During normal operation of the generator, as shown generally in Flg. 1, and with the-generating chamber G filled with water to the proper level and with the carbide hopper filled with carbide, the water inlet and overflow valves 25 and 26, and also'sludge valve V, are closed. Acetylene return valves 16 and I1 are open, the latter being closed only when it is desired to isolate the distribution system. The interference mechanism M locks the carbide hopper door D in closed position, and interference disc 98 is disengaged from the carbide feed valve lock-up shaft 98, thus permitting carbide to be fed to the generator in response to acetylene pressure fluctuations. As the generation of acetylene proceeds the level of the carbide within the hopper H may be determined by lifting weighted rod 10 and noting the position of the crank 68 with reference to the scale 69. Through acetylene supply valve228, acetylene passes at about one atmosphere gauge pressure to the distributing system.

When the carbide in the hopper His exhausted, or nearly so, and it is desired torecharge the generator, the acetylene supply valve 228 is closed, and disc 98 is turned to lock the carbide feed valve I84 in closed position. The sludge valve V is then opened, and the sludge within generator, for repair or disassembly, from the the chamber G discharged therefrom. As the tinuously maintaining a slight super-atmospheric pressure within the'generator, the possibility of air leaking into the latter is avoided. After the sludge has been completely discharged, the sludge valve V is closed and the generator is filled to the proper level with water. This is accomplish-ed by,moving the handle of the water 90", and thereafter rotating the stem 21 of the inlet water valve 25 clockwise through an arc of 90". Water then sprays into the generating chamber G through spray nozzles 22. Acetylene within the generator is absorbed or dissolved by the entering water, and as the level of the water rises the acetylene is compressed. Due to the efficient and rapid absorption of the acetylene in the water spray, the pressure within the generator when filled with water to the proper level is not substantially greater than normal generator pressure, and little if any acetylene is vented to the atmosphere through pressure relief valve 13 and vent to in the overflow trap 31. Due to the interfering action of cams 28 and ill, the water overflow valve 26 downwardly through an arc of of 90, from the position shown in Fig. 1. Such movement causes the interference mechanism M to lock the shaft 96 of the carbide feed valve lockup device L1 in closed position, open the pressure relief valve 13 momentarily, and disengage the rod 90 from thehopper charging door D. Hand wheel 61 is then rotated to release the cover plate 56 from the flange 50, and door D is swung outwardly. A small amount of acetylene flows from the conduit 15, through conduit 18, cross connection 12, conduit 15', pressure regulator P, check valve 232, and central passage I83 into the hopper H to prevent air from entering the hopper while door D is open and thus to avoid entrapment of air in the hopper after the door D has been closed. After the hopper H of the generator has been filled with carbide to the proper level, door D is closed and handle of the acetylene return valve 16 rotated counter-clockwise through an angle of whereupon handle 80 again assumes the position shown in Fig. 1. This movement causesthe interference mechanism M to lockthe door D in closed position, release the lug 91 from the carbide valve lock-up disc 98, and again open momentarily pressure relief valve 13. By rotating handle 99 of the carbide valve lock-up device to the intermediate open position, carbide may be slowly fed from hopper H to the generating chamber G and the pressure 01 acetylene within the latter gradually built-up. When the acetylene pressure reaches the normal generator pressure the handle 99 is rotated to its fully opened position thereby permitting carbide to be fed in response to pressure fluctuations. The generator is now ready for service and valve 228 is opened. Carbide is fed to the central portlon of the generating chamber and comes in contact with water within. the area bounded by the circular baflle plate 20. Most of the evolved acetylene is collected under the dome l5 within the'baflle plate 20. The acetylene thus collected passes downwardly and under the serrated edge 2| of the baille plate 20 and it is thereby scrubbed of entrained carbide or lime dust. The scrubbed acetylene collects under dome 15, passes through conduit H, cross connection 12, pressure regulator P and is delivered to the distributing system 'at valve 233.

The operation of the generator provided with the interference mechanism shown in Figs. 6 and '7 is substantially identical with the operation of the generator shown in Fig. 1, and such interference mechanism operates in the manner previously described. I

While certain embodiments of the invention have been specifically illustrated and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the invention may be otherwise embodiedand practiced without departing from the principles or scope of the invention.

We claim: v 1. In a method of recharging an acetylene generator of the carbide-to-water type, the steps of discharging sludge, resulting from the reaction between carbide and water, from the generating chamber of said generator; supplying additional 'acetylene as needed to maintain continuously in -said chamber a superatmo'spheric pressure;

substantially said interference means door, said pressure relief valve means, and said 2,870,680 water with acetylene and to .1

compress undissolvedacetylene to a pressure not substantially greater of said generator when said chamber has been filled to its proper level; and terminatingsuch spraying prior to the introduction of carbide into said water.

2. ma method of recharging a carbide-towater type acetylene generator, the steps of discharging sludge; resulting from the reaction'of carbide with water, from the generating chamber of said generator; continuously maintaining acetyiene at a gauge pressure eral inches of' water within said chamber while said sludge, is being discharged therefrom; thereafter filling said chamber to the proper level with water by spraying said water into said chamber, whereby such spraying causes the acetylene within said chamber to be substantially dissolved in said water to minimize the loss of acetylene by the filling and compressive action of said water within; said chamber; terminating such spraying; and generating acetylene by bringing. carbide into contact with such water in said chamber.

I 3. Method of recharging an acetylene generator of the-type in which acetylene is generated by the reaction between calcium carbide and water leaving a residue in the form of a sludge, such method including the steps of positively discharging sludge from said generator; adding acetylene at superatmospheric pressure to said generator;

spraying water into said generator to mix intimatch) with and to" absorb said acetylene; and adding more acetylene under 'superatmospheric pressure to replace that absorbed by saidwater and'to maintain the pressure in said generator within predetermined limits. 4

4. In a method of recharging an acetylene generator in which acetylene is generated at a medium pressure of about to pounds per square inch gauge, by the reaction between carbide and water, leaving a residue in the form of a sludge, such method comprising the steps of discharging said sludge from the generating chamber of said generator by employing the pressure of residual acetylene within said chamber to force the sludge therefrom; supplying additional acetylene to said chamber to maintain continuously therein a superatmospheric pressure; spraying water into said chamber at a pressure greater than said medium pressure after said sludge has been discharged therefrom to' refill said chamber to a predetermined level with water substantially saturated with acetylene and to compress undissolved acetylene to a pressure not greater than said medium. pressure; terminating such spraying; and thereafter generating acetylene by bringing said carbide into contact with the water in said generating chamber.

5. An acetylene-generator comprising, in combination, a lower generating chamber; an upper carbidehopperhaving a charging door and disposed in spaced relation to said chamber; a removable intermediate section {disposed between .said lower generatingchamber and saidupper of not less than sevthan the operating pressure tion and after excess pressure within said generator has been released through said relief valve by the movement of said interference means.

6. An acetylene generator comprising, in commovable intermediate section having one end abutting the. lower edge of said hopper and the other end abutting the upper edge of said generating chamber. said intermediate section having,

therein means for feeding carbide from said hopper to said chamber, said feeding means being adapted to be locked in closed position; and interference mechanism interconnecting said charging door, said indicating means and said feeding means, said indicating means being connected to said interference mechanism by lost motion linkage in such manner that upon locking of said feeding means in closed position and upon displacement of said interference mechanism said charging door is unlocked and said indicating means is raised to an inoperative, position, and upon the return of said interference mechanism to its original position said charging door is locked and said indicating means is permitted to contact the surface of the carbide within said hopper and-to act independently. of said interference means.

7. An acetylene generator comprising, in combination, an acetylene generating chamber for containing water; a carbide hopper disposed above and in spaced relation to said chamber;

plate having dual carbide feed openings for feeding carbide from said a carbide-cutting assembly including a pair of hopper to said chamber;

blades, said blades being adapted to ream out said openings and each of said blades being secured to one end of a shaft which is splined' to a rotatable spiral gear; threaded means disposed at the opposite end of said shaft and adapted to engage a fixed threaded means; and an auxiliary spiral gear for driving said rotatable spiral gear.

8. An acetylene generator as claimed in claim 7, in which each auxiliary spiral gear is secured to a commondrive shaft: whereby the rotation of said drive shaft .in' one direction causes the simultaneous rotation and downward displacement of each cutting assembly within its respective opening; and rotation ofsaid shaft in the opposite direction causes reverse rotation and upward dlsplacementof from its respective opening.

9. An acetylene generator comprising, in combination, an upper carbide hopper; a lower acetylen'e generating chamber; carbide-feeding valve means between said hopper and said'chamber; a

carbide hopper, said intermediate section having said interference means permit the carbide-feeding means,- being constructed and arranged to rotatable shaft adapted to. secure .said valve means in closed position; and means for looking I said rotatable shaft when said valvemeansis in closed position, said locking means including a plate having circular and recessed edge portions, axially secured to said shaft, and a 'rod'slidably interfltting with said recessed portion to lock said valve in closed position and: to slide over said circular portionwhen said valve is in an operating position. p

10. An acetylene generator comprising, in com.-

bination, an acetylene generating chamber; a

opening of said charging door only when the carbide-feeding means is locked in closed posicarbide hopper having a charging door. said hopper being disposed in-snaced relation in said said chamber and said each cutting assembly chamber; an intermediate section disposed between and in gas-tight relation to said hopper and said chamber; said intermediate section housing an acetylene pressure-regulating valve, means for feeding carbide from said hopper to said generating chamber, and means for locking said carbide feeding means in closed position;

conduit means extending from the upper portion of said generating chamber to theinlet of said pressure-regulating valve said conduit means including a pressure-relief valve; auxiliary conduit lock said carbide feeding means in closed posltion, and to open and close said pressure-relief valve.

11. In an acetylene generator comprising, in combination a pressure-relief valve, a carbide hopper having a door and a lock for. said door, means for interconnecting said valve and said lock; means for opening said pressure-relief valve; and lever means provided with a lost-motion connection engaging said valve opening means, whereby partial movement of said lever means in one direction eifects the opening of said valve and continued movement of said lever in said direction disengages said valve opening means tov permit said valve to close automatically, and to permit said interconnecting means to operate said lock.

12. In an acetylene generator having a generating c'hambercontaining a body of water for reacting with carbide supplied through an opening in the upper portion of said chamber, the combination of a bailie disposed around andin gas tight connection with said opening and having a lower edge extending downwardly to a point beneath the normal operating level of said body of water; spray nozzle means disposed within said chamber but externally of said baille; a valve for controlling the supply of water to said spray nozzle means; a water-overflow having an inlet orifice disposed at said normal operating level to limit the volume or water within said chamber; and a valve disposed in said water-overflow, said last-mentioned valve being constructed and arranged to operate sequentially with said firstmentioned valve. g

13. An acetylene generator as claimed in claim 12, in which sequential operation of each ofsaid valves is obtained by providing each valve with an arcuate cam, both ofsaid cams being constructed and arranged to interlock with each sother to insure the opening of the water-overflow valve prior to the opening of the water-inlet valve and the closing of the water-inlet valve prior to the closing of the water-overflow valve.

14. A medium pressure acetylene generator of the carbider-to-water type comprising, in combination, a carbide hopper; a generating chamber adapted to contain a relatively large quantity of water; said generating chamber being provided with water inlet'and spraying means, and water outlet means having an inlet orifice disposed at a point above said spraying means; valve means disposed externally of said generator in each of said water inlet and outlet means; said valve means being closely adjacent each other and provided with rotatable cooperating interference members having adjacent convex and concave peripheral edge portions of substantially similar curvature, said members being so constructed and arranged that the concave portion of one of said members will rotate past only the convex portion of' the other of said members, and thereby cause I said valve means to be sequentially operated.

15. In an acetylene generator having a generating chamber containing a body of water adapted to receive carbide from anlopening in meansand within the the upper portion of said chamber, the provision of battle means disposed around and in gastight connection with said opening and extending downwardly to a point beneath the surface of said water, and a plurality of spray nozzles positioned so as to impart a rotary mixing action of acetylene and water spray around said baflle gas space of said gener- -ating chamber.

CLARENCE H. BAKER. MALVEN L. OLSON. 

